Choosing the right childcare can feel overwhelming, but there’s great satisfaction, relief, and confidence in finding the best fit.
Here are some beginning steps to choosing childcare.
Explore Types of Childcare
There are many options for childcare, such as hiring a friend or nanny or enrolling in home childcare or daycare.
Each type of childcare has advantages and disadvantages, and only you know which is right for your child and lifestyle.
Bright Start Louisville is one of the top childcare options in the J-Town area. Our highly-skilled teachers provide outstanding care and early childhood education.
Make a List of Options
Next, make a list of potential options. You can do this by using a search page or with ChildCare.gov.
Write down the details for each option, such as:
- location
- operating hours
- cost
- inspection records
Cross out anything that isn’t a good fit, then arrange the options by first to last preference. Making a Pro/Con list can be helpful in evaluating each option. As you proceed, cross a facility off your list once its cons outweigh its pros.
Investigate Each Option
Starting with your highest preference, investigate each option:
- License: Ensure the facility has an active license, as these must be renewed annually. See if the facility has ever had a license revoked or suspended.
- Inspection Reports: Dive deeper into the inspection reports. Check if the facility had any health or safety violations and if the facility fixed them.
- Ratings: Read reviews and ratings to see others’ experiences at the facility and consider any childcare complaints.
After further investigation, you may find that you can cross off more options or even rearrange your preference list.
Contact and Visit Each Option
With your revised preference list, contact each option through email or a phone call. Have a list of questions ready, such as:
- Availability
- Confirming full-time and part-time prices
- How illnesses, medications, and first-aid situations are handled
- School closure policies
- Disciplinary measures
Arrange a visit if the facility gives satisfactory answers. Some websites (like ours!) give virtual tours, but it’s best to see the childcare facility in person. Only then will you know if this daycare is the best fit.
Make a Final Decision
Unless your decision is time-sensitive, give yourself a few days before making a final call. Discussing your findings with your partner, friend, or family member can help you process them. Schedule a second visit if you’d like to ask more questions or see the facility again.
Bright Start Louisville offers exceptional childcare to children six weeks to 12 years old. We’re proud to offer a fun and educational preschool program that prepares your child for kindergarten per state educational standards.
If you’re looking for excellent childcare that gives your child a head start in life, contact Bright Start Louisville today!